Balancing Maternal Melanoma and Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Delivery: A Case Report Highlighting Shared Decision-Making

Melanoma is increasingly common among reproductive-age women and is one of the most common cancers diagnosed during pregnancy. The literature for melanoma in pregnancy, especially among those with prior uterine scars, is limited. We present an interesting case of a 22-year-old woman who went to her dermatologist for a suspicious lesion on her thigh. The lesion was excised, and histopathology confirmed that it was a melanoma. The dermatologist recommended immediate delivery. The patient then urged her obstetrician to undergo the risks of an induction of labor (IOL) for a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) because she desired a large family, and a second cesarean would make this more difficult to happen. She ultimately had a successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and subsequent excision of the melanoma with surgical oncology in the immediate postpartum period. Therefore, the decision for IOL for TOLAC in this case was based on the patient's fears regarding melanoma disease progression in her 39th week. Given the short time course between delivery and excision of her melanoma, it is possible that she may have been able to wait for spontaneous labor, which would have avoided the risks associated with IOL for TOLAC. The optimal timing of surgical intervention for melanoma in pregnant patients who desire TOLAC is unknown. In pregnancies that are approaching their due date, waiting for spontaneous labor may be a reasonable approach to avoid the risks of labor induction, especially in women with prior cesarean delivery. A multidisciplinary approach involving dermatology, surgical oncology, and the obstetric team is warranted to optimize both dermatologic and obstetric outcomes.